Plant Doctor Archive

Growing chillies in winter

Question MY daughter has bought a chilli plant and is going to put it in a container. What sort of conditions would be best for it?

Answer TYPICALLY, chilli peppers are grown in summer outdoors. At this time of year your daughter’s chilli plant would need a very warm, sunny situation indoors or on a sheltered sunny deck or patio.

Use a quality potting mix which provides good drainage and contains a controlled release fertiliser. Make sure your pot has drainage holes in the bottom.

At this time of year water sparingly. Allow the surface of the potting mix to dry out between watering and do not let the plant sit in water.